Top Flight Build-up alongside FA Cup Round Two Latest News and Additional Coverage

Introduction

Morning everyone to another weekend day. This is your all-in-one football coverage hub, highlighting the day's major soccer action. The Premier League offers intriguing matches featuring the Seagulls and the Hammers as well as the Cottagers and the Eagles. On top of that, a crucial Scottish clash sees Celtic and Hearts, alongside WSL action and FA Cup second round drama rounds out the schedule. Feel free to get in touch and let us know how you'll be following today's games. Here we go.

Yesterday's Headlines

Liverpool's Egyptian star commandeered the headlines even though he not featuring in Liverpool's hectic 3-3 draw at Elland Road. He launched an stunning critique on manager the Dutch coach, claiming him of throwing him “to the wolves” following being left out the starting lineup for the third straight match. He expressed that he felt made a scapegoat for the team's poor beginning to the season.

“It's unbelievable … I’m sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,” Salah stated. “The third time on the bench, I think for the first time in my career. I am extremely disappointed.”

Another significant top-flight development saw the Gunners' last-gasp loss at Villa Park, sealed by Emiliano Buendía's decisive strike. This outcome, combined with City's straightforward victory over the Black Cats, makes for a very tight battle at the top of the standings.

Outside the English leagues, the Argentine maestro as ever wrote the script for Inter Miami as they lifted the league championship, beating Vancouver 3-1 in the final.

Sunday's Top-Flight Matches

Brighton welcome West Ham for an afternoon start. West Ham have displayed signs of life since the appointment of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo. An impressive midweek draw means he has presided over a run of just one defeat in five games.

Fulham versus Palace is a rematch of last year's FA Cup last-eight tie. The Eagles are aiming for a fourth successive away win in the Premier League, having beaten three opponents without conceding in their recent travels.

The FA Cup Second Round

The FA Cup second round delivered lots of drama yesterday. National League South side the Seagulls made history by reaching the third round for the first time in their history.

Other notable results included:

  • Swindon Town hammered Bolton – a division above them – 4-0.
  • Cambridge beat Stockport on penalties.
  • Sixth tier Buxton were ahead against Cheltenham before finally suffering a 6-2 defeat.

Sunday's FA Cup action includes:

  • Slough Town v Macclesfield (12.30pm GMT kickoff)
  • Boreham Wood v Newport County
  • Gateshead v Walsall
  • Blackpool v Carlisle United

Developing Mini-Leagues

There seems to be a trio of separate mini-leagues forming in this campaign's Premier League.

  1. Championship Contenders: The current leading pack are apparently vying for the championship.
  2. The Packed Middle: A incredibly congested section contains several big names, all with designs on the European places. Will any put together a consistent form to challenge the top teams?
  3. The Fight for Survival: The scrap to stay up probably concerns Leeds, Nottingham Forest, Burnley and West Ham, with Wolves looking especially vulnerable. Teams like Brentford or Fulham could also be dragged into the fight.

Elsewhere in Football

Outside the Premier League and domestic cup, Sunday's schedule include:

Women's Top Flight: (All 12pm GMT unless stated)

  • Leicester City v Manchester City
  • London City Lionesses v Brighton & Hove Albion
  • Manchester United v West Ham United
  • Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa
  • Chelsea v Everton (2.30pm GMT)

Around the Continent:

  • Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (8pm CET)
  • Borussia Dortmund v Hoffenheim (4.30pm CET)

Ongoing Discussion About Liverpool's Star

The reaction from the Liverpool forward's comments continues. Opinion is split into two distinct sides to the debate. Has he earned the right to speak out as a true Liverpool legend? On the other, is manager Slot justified in doing whatever it takes to attempt to win matches?

Views from supporters seems divided:

“As a Manchester United supporter. If memory serves, Salah was the players' player of the year 6 months ago and now he’s chief scapegoat. This is no way to treat a legend of the club.”
“Perhaps we should pause to feel sorry for Mo Salah? He must have overlooked that he is presently Liverpool's best-paid player... A victim, Mo, you are not.”

What next for the Egyptian king, then? Speculation suggests his relationship with the club may now be burned. Will he move on loan to another European club? Might he take the pay day and move to the Saudi Pro League following the Africa Cup of Nations?

Sad News from the Championship

A pair of Championship matches were called off yesterday.

  • The game between Charlton Athletic and Pompey at The Valley was halted in the 12th minute after a supporter was taken ill. It was later announced the supporter died in hospital.
  • Blackburn's game against Sheffield Wednesday was also stopped and called off due to a waterlogged playing surface at Ewood Park. Torrential rain – for the second time this season at the ground – made the pitch unsuitable.

At this time, there is no word yet on when these matches will be replayed.

Heidi Porter
Heidi Porter

Interior designer and home decor enthusiast with over 10 years of experience, sharing practical tips and creative ideas.